Primul targ de jucarii din lemn este organizat la hotel J.W.Marriot, Calea 13 septembrie, nr 90 in sala Ploiesti, etaj 1. Targul are loc astazi si maine, iar programul este intre 10-18.

Wow, it has been a long time since I’ve blogged on WordPress. Ever since I’ve quit my job at the veterinary clinic and started working for my dad, my days have been a constant reminder of how bland my life is. Bland, but with a higher salary. Some days I want to stab myself in the foot for having to put up with my dad and then I start thinking of how much he’s given me. Ugh, guilt.

So here I am, sitting in my trendy new Ikea desk chair (because my mom referred to my old chair as “disgusting”) in all my 22 year old glory. Did I just say that? I did in fact turn 22 years old on Monday and to be perfectly honest I don’t like the fact that I’m not 21 anymore. 21 is the perfect number, the perfect age to pause my life. I know, I’m being dramatic and 22 is still young. The fact that I’m just going to get older and older gives me indigestion. I’ll try not to think about it.

To sum up my November (or my life) here’s a list.
1. I took my first trip with Franco to San Francisco in September. I think it was the best three days of my life. Not only did I experience freedom, I actually fell in love with San Francisco. I’m going back and no one can stop me.
2. “Is there a fast forward button on life until November?” Apparently, there wasn’t. New Moon finally came out on the 19th, and it was the first movie I’ve ever waited in line for more than an hour. We’re talking five hours of cold wind and lack of sleep just to oogle a vampire and a werewolf for two hours. I usuallynever stay up past 1am, I am so proud of myself.
3. I turned 22, but we don’t need to emphasize that.
4. Most importantly, I got an iPhone! I finally switched from that god-awful T-Mobile service to AT&T and I love it. I get reception in places T-Mobile wouldn’t. My iPhone is fabulous, I’ve been nose to screen for two weeks and I still can’t get enough. “What apps to download next?” “When should I buy my next case? And what color?” “Should I buy more ringtones on iTunes?” What is wrong with me? I’ve definitely come down with the iPhone syndrome and I don’t want to be cured.

So there you have it. I didn’t do a complete summary of the past 4 months, but we’ll catch up. Hopefully, I decide to blog more and won’t completely abandon my WordPress, I’d hate to see it die just like all my other blogs. I have so much here that I can read back on and laugh about. Until next time!

621 // November 27, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving! It has been a very relaxing and yet eventful past few days. Hubbie and I have escaped the city as of earlier this week, and have enjoyed some fresh mountain air. Along with a couple of personal friends who joined us, we had a huge turkey feast on Thursday with his family and gave thanks to not only each other, but those we could not be with on that day.

I also had some time to shoot some new labels I created for Crooked Keg. Their brand-new Scarecrow II Pumpkin Ale was a huge hit among the guests up here, and was quickly gone before the day was out.

Oh, and I have to mention that the fresh mountain air must be the remedy for the common cold or bronchitis. Mom joked that the ill used to be sent to the mountains for any respiratory illness… and she might be right. For those concerned, I am feeling 100% better than I have been the past two weeks! We went on a short hike today up Mayflower Gulch (12,415 ft) just south of Copper Mountain, and had nothing but clear lungs, blue skies and beautiful weather.

I have so much to be thankful for, and I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving.

Sekinchan – Part 2, The Fields And The Weather.

You guys are probably tired of all the greens and skies so try holding on for Sekinchan – Part 3, The Fishing Village. FYI, my 21st birthday which was postponed due to my grandfather’s passing is now cancelled, so i guess we will be celebrating my 22nd instead next year.

Sorry about scary mail but we have to see to spread the word……….

Too busy to notice me, originally uploaded by jchiang17.

Shot at 1600 ISO, the guy was too busy on his iPhone to notice me taking a picture from a couple feet away.

This is the sort of thing that could only happen in Ginza, the richest district in Tokyo. I was walking with a friend after an evening of particularly rewarding window shopping on Thursday this week when we came across this huge pile of discarded flowers next to a phone booth smack in the middle of Tokyo’s fashionable Ginza district (where all the major fashion houses have their flagship stores in Japan, LV, Gucci, Bulgari, Hermes, etc). In Japan, whenever you open a new shop it is custom for business associates, well-wishers and people in the same industry to send you a stand of flowers to congratulate you. These flowers tend to be massive (by western standards) so you can imagine that in Ginza they are even more epic. Alas, you can only keep them for so long until you’re asked politely by the local council officers to clean up your patch of sidewalk (in Japan more shop owners actually own about a meter of the sidewalk in front of the shop as well).

The flowers were still beautiful and the whole street smelled wonderfully. One go-get-it kind of woman was already busily snatching the best ones and me and my friend was not to be outdone! Look what we found. All the way home on the trains people were staring, but I think the smell of freshly picked flowers in a packed train is much to prefer over those of the regular drunken businessmen. Don’t you? So next time you are in Ginza, take your time and do some exotic flower picking!

*Not all Saudi men thankfully are the way described below but this post is written as an advisory for those who have had little to no exposure to Saudi culture and the Saudi man.

For some reason it seems to be culturally acceptable for a Saudi man to abandon a woman, in spite of ‘alledged’ rights to which a woman is entitled.  A high percentage of Saudi men will go outside the Kingdom as students or for employment.  They are exposed to differing lifestyles and cultures.  Many will gradually believe they have blended in to the new lifestyle and culture and eventually find themselves in a relationship.  What most women who are unfamiliar with Saudi Arabia and Saudi men does not realize is that the Saudi man can be a most persuasive and charming speaker, kind of like the devil in disguise as the most magnificent Prince Charming.  He can easily cajole a woman who would naturally resist strongly to give up her virginity to him.  Now the Saudi man after receiving his “present” will either move on to other challenges (read conquests) or continue to enjoy the “free feast.”  Yet if the woman becomes pregnant it is not surprising that the man will rapidly move on and avoid contact with the woman.  After all, she is the one who is now pregnant, not him, so it is her problem.

The Saudi man who is outside of the Kingdom for a period of time also needs to be viewed with caution, particularly if he is older and therefore assumed to be more mature than a young student.  This man may be even more charming and sophisticated and appealing to non-Saudi women of all ages.  He will unlikely wear a wedding ring yet due to his age and position in life, most often married.  But of course he would likely quip that he is not married, separated or divorced.  The likelihood he has a Saudi wife and at least four children in Saudi.  It does not bother his conscience to cheat on his wife.  He is satisfying his needs and probably has the perspective that he is also bringing pleasure to a willing partner.  Being more sophisticated and culturally savvy, he may even integrate himself into the family of the woman with whom he is having a relationship.  He may make references or innuendos to a future with her and while probably sincere at the moment because he wishes it could be so, he also knows realistically there is no future and furthermore deep down he does not want a future with her. When his business or position which brought him outside of Saudi is complete, he’ll depart without a backward glance.

In both cases of the younger student or the mature sophisticate, they may not make any attempt to hide their involvement with a foreign woman outside of Saudi.  The foreign woman may be introduced to their male friends.  Of course she would not be known to any Saudi females or members of the Saudi family because the man is engaging in activities which are considered haram (forbidden) in his own country.  While a woman may think it is flattering to meet his friends this is actually disrespectful in the Saudi culture.  And of course when the man makes his exit from her life, the remaining Saudi friends will be polite to her but it becomes clear that no matter how kindly they treated her with him, she is an outsider and will never be accepted.

Then there are the Saudis who are married.  First, like the sophisticate who seeks female companionship when outside of the Kingdom, he illustrates no loyalty or faithfulness to his Saudi wife.  It is also ingrained in him that if his Saudi wife ever needs assistance, has problems or illness, how own “blood” family will take care of her.  He views himself of absolved of responsibility.  And if he is the Saudi with a foreign wife he will expect her to find her own way to solving problems and meeting her needs.  If she becomes ill it is expected her expat friends and family (from abroad) will take care of her.  He should not be exposed to illness or upsets.  She is also not from the “same blood” so there is not an expectation or obligation on the part of his family either.

I hear of these situations more and more frequently.  Most seem to come from someone in a relationship with a Saudi man over the age of 40.  How come these men have become adults without a sense of responsibility or loyalty if someone is not from within the inner “blood” circle of family?  Does this again go back to the impact of segregation and pre-defined roles of a husband and wife in an arranged marriage?  Yet even in an arranged marriage or any Islamic marriage there are rights to which the woman is entitled.  Sadly though, too many Saudi men make no effort to meet those rights and simply ignore them.

What options are available to the woman, regardless of where she is or what nationality, who finds herself abandoned by a Saudi?  Saudi Arabia is the exclusive men’s club where the men do stick together and protect each other and women’s needs and rights are easily forgotten.

I traveled last weekend to Philadelphia to interview at the Drexel University College of Medicine. Although my interview wasn’t until Monday morning, I figured that I would make a mini-vacation out of it and arrive early Saturday.

One of the advantages of living in the northeast is the alternative modes of transportation available. In the absence of my car, I could have taken the bus, train, or plane. A flight was the most expensive and least convenient option, so I ruled that out (it is nice, though, that DC has three major airports in proximity). Despite the inexpensive bus fare, I live literally adjacent to Washington’s train station, Union Station, so I gave into the temptation of riding Amtrak. The experience was surprisingly pleasant- the train departed promptly, the ride was comfortable, and we arrived in Philly in only two hours. If only they could accomplish that without billions in federal subsidies!

The front of the home

I stayed at a bed-and-breakfast close to the Drexel Medical School Queen Lane campus, recommended by the admissions department. The family had a beautiful, traditional 3-story home in north Phildelphia: stone walls and hardwood floors, large windows to allow the sunlight to pour in. They served an organic breakfast of eggs, french toast, and fresh fruit each morning. My host, Tea, and her family were also very musical; each day I would hear the sounds of the cello emanating from their den. This is the sort of home and lifestyle Kavita would dream about.

Of course, I didn’t come to Philadelphia two days early to stay in my room. On Saturday, I visited the historic district of Philly- Independence Hall, the Second Bank of the United States, and the public squares our forefathers gathered at. Inside Independence Hall was the original courthouse of the U.S. Supreme Court. Ironically, I am currently writing this at my dorm, just two or three blocks from the current Supreme Court location. That evening, I had dinner and some drinks at the bar district before heading back to Queen Lane. I generally don’t plan where to specifically go when sightseeing. I just take a train to some area and walk around. I feel this gives me a better sense of the city’s layout and culture, rather than the tourist-y experience. This is how I got to know Shanghai so well two years ago- literally criss-crossing the city by foot.

In front of the rifle collection

On Sunday, I watched the Philadelphia Marathon before wandering around some of the center city residential neighborhoods. I then went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous for capping off Rocky Balboa’s run in the classic Rocky. They even have a statue in front to commemorate the scene and film. The institution has a large and varied collection. From relatively recent American art (Picasso, Gorky) to renaissance European art, they really covered the gamut of artistic styles. Some of my favorite stuff there was the medieval art that focused on Biblical imagery, including one painting that showed Jesus climbing out of his tomb, presumably in the act of resurrection.

After the museum, the sightseeing phase of my trip was over. I returned to the Student Guest House to relax and prep for my interview the next day. After some Chinese food for dinner, watching the Philadelphia-Chicago game on Sunday Night Football, and  reading a bit more of Phillip Dick’s The Man in the High Castle, I retired for the night.

The school’s facilities at Queen Lane, where the first and second year student study, were very impressive. Drexel Med actually has two curriculum choices available- IFM, which is the standard lecture and lab system, and PIL, which focuses more on small groups and case-study learning. If I end up going to Drexel, I’m leaning towards the latter. The faculty interview was alright. The interview was a neuroscience professor who could fathom that I was a non-science major as an undergrad, so he tried to box me in as if I wouldn’t be prepared for the med school curriculum. I had to evade his strategy by stating that I did my premed courses, nowhere is it written that premeds have to be biochem or microbio major, and that math and econ on top of premed courses isn’t exactly an easy course schedule. We did connect, though, on talking about the dysfunctional U.S. health care system, although I offered no comment when he said he supported Obamacare. The student interview went much better, though.

After our interviews and tours were over, I head back to the bed-and-breakfast, where I chilled until leaving for 30th Street Station. Just as an indication of how nice this family was, they never once asked for payment; I had to remind them that I still owed them a check. And with another Amtrak train that evening, I was back in DC.

Hope everyone is enjoying Thanksgiving weekend!

En känsla som bara finns just där, som bara fanns just då
en vacker, tyst, klar och flytande röst
Hon med sin gitarr, bara de två, i ljuset, i mörkret
bandet som kom in och stöttade det levande
färgstarka strålkastare, mystisk rök och flygande partiklar
En discokula hängande i taket, passade inte alls in,
men den blänkte så vackert till musiken, så den passade så perfekt,
skört glänsande spegelglas, respekten från publiken
det var alldeles tyst tills tonerna tog slut då jubel och applåder kom
jag ville sjunga med, men nej, jag började sjunga lite tyst för mig själv
men det kändes så fel, det här var hennes tid som vi fick ta del av
Det var en känsla som bara finns där, som bara fanns ikväll

Tack för en strålande konsert!

Melissa Horn 27/11-09 kl. 21.00

Last Sunday (22nd November 2009), my good friend, Eng, drove over to Sungai Petani (SP) from Bukit Mertajam to take us over to Penang island for our flight back to Sibu. We were quite worried that we might not be able to make it as the Penang Bridge Run was held that same day and the bridge was closed from 2.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. Thank goodness, by the time we crossed the bridge at around 11 something, traffic was smooth and there wasn’t any jam at all.

Eng took us for lunch at this Lorong Selamat place, noted for its extra-expensive char kway teow (fried flat rice noodles). My niece, BDQ, wanted to take me there when I was in Penang in August but it was closed owing to the Hungry Ghost Festival at the time. It certainly was popular and the man…

…warned us that we might have to wait for a long time. Well, it did not really matter as in the meantime, we had some of the many other things available  like this or chian (oyster omelette), for instance…

We also had the lor bak…

…and the jiew-hu eng-chai (cuttle fish and kangkong)…

…and even the or koi (yam cake)…

I think the yam cake at New World was much nicer – firmer and it had hay kor (prawn paste) and fried hay bee (dried prawns) sprinkled on top. This one was kind of on the mushy side.

And then, the char kway teow came…

The moment I cast my eyes on it, it dawned on me as to why it was much more expensive than at other places – RM6.00 a plate. The prawns were humongous! But that was about it. The kway teow itself was of a lighter shade than what I had had elsewhere and tastewise, it was pretty much the same…or perhaps, those at some other places could even be better.

There were other things available from the stalls at that shop and I was told that the ABC and cendol was very popular but we were simply too full to have anything else. Another time perhaps…

We went straight to the airport after that for our flight to KLIA and then home to Sibu. It certainly had been a most wonderful and enjoyable trip to SP/Ipoh/Penang and I would like to thank everyone concerned once again for everything! Till we meet again…

]]> http://miamismpix.com/2009/11/27/sunset-drive-back-to-miami/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:37:29 +0000 miamism http://miamismpix.com/2009/11/27/sunset-drive-back-to-miami/

The full moon provides a rare spectacle. A moon lit night has a peculiar attraction to it, and the Thai’s definitely know how to make the most of the night that only comes around once a month.
On the Koh Phangan’s Haad Rin beach, once a month when the moon rises with all its beauty, crowds gather to view a most enthralling view of the moon. Almost 10,000 people gather on the beach at various venues that host the party like the Backyard Club, Beach House Club, Drop Inn, Cactus Bar, Paradise, Orchid and The Rock to name a few.

The party starts at dusk and the tables are laid out along the beach, lamps are lit and soon enough the moon light takes over and creates the perfect setting for a night out with singing and dancing. There is food and drinks to keep the partiers going through the night. With the perfect warm waters through out the year, the party becomes even more special with many taking a plunge and enjoying the party from the water as well. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join the party as there is no entry fee to the beach and you can enjoy the atmosphere till your hearts content. The only thing you pay for is the food and drinks you enjoy during the night.

You can surely plan your next vacation to Thailand and enjoy this special party as well as the dates for the event are already set, once a month from January to December and also on Christmas Day and New Years Eve.

A few things to keep in mind always, when you are planning to go to a crowded place are to make sure you leave any valuables, or travel documents, back at your hotel.Keep your wallet and money in front pockets or in places where you will know if someone tries to relieve you of them. You can always find pick pockets at crowded places, be careful and alert to them. Keep your shoes on as there is always a chance of stepping on some broken glass.

Be weary of accepting any drinks from strangers. Party drugs are not uncommon here and the drug related penalties are far more stringent than many other places and often times the consulates can’t provide much help in such matters.

All in all, stay safe and enjoy a great beach party that you will get a chance to be a part of.

Brian has always been a dreamer. Even as a small boy, playing Cowboys and Indians with the other children, his imagination would run riot. The village green became the Wild West as he galloped around, astride a fantasy Silver, and he was the Lone Ranger, with his best pal George as the loyal Tonto.

Whilst never really a scholar, some years later Brian discovered a fascination for Geography. He couldn’t wait to learn about all those far flung places of the earth; places he thought he would probably never see. He would close his eyes, hungry to taste all those experiences for himself… the pyramids of Egypt, the skyscrapers of New York, the Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal, Niagara Falls… he was totally bitten by a wanderlust that would never leave him.

Now, as an adult, Brian’s desire to travel the world is even stronger than ever. The only thing is that he’s a man who likes his creature comforts. Not for him sleeping rough under the stars, cold and wet. That might have suited him some years ago but not now, with his rheumatism. Even caravanning doesn’t really appeal – could be a bit cramped for someone intent on touring the globe – and there’s always the worry of whether or not the caravan has been securely coupled to the car. The last thing he’d want would be to see it overtaking him on the freeway.

A luxury motor home (or recreational vehicle, as they’re often called) would be just the answer – the ultimate freedom machine for the open road. Introduced into the UK some thirty years ago, today’s RV is truly a home from home with stylish décor and just about every ‘mod con’ imaginable… fully equipped kitchen and dining areas, ducted air conditioning, double glazing, built-in quiet diesel generators, stylish lounge areas with sumptuous leather upholstery, beautiful wood cabinetry, huge and luxurious bedrooms with copious wardrobe capacity, washer/dryers, plush showers and toilets. Some even have walls that slide out ingeniously, making yet more of the available space, and exterior locker storage. Despite their size, they’re easy to manoeuvre with automatic transmission and will access any camp site without difficulty.

Brian’s heart starts to pound as he steps onboard and slips behind the wheel of his motor home to experience the adventure of a lifetime. The miles melting away effortlessly beneath his wheels, his journey begins in la belle France, in the heart of the Loire Valley – an area of beautiful countryside, studded with historic, royal fairytale chateaux, mansions, palaces and fortresses. Taking in the charm of the picturesque villages and later sampling the light refreshing wine and the superb local cuisine before retiring to the cosy bed in his RV, Brian plans the next leg of his journey. It’s on to Germany. As he travels in total comfort through the unspoilt, enchanting countryside, he discovers a host of natural wonders, vineyards, castle ruins and medieval villages. Feeling almost as if he’s in a time warp, crossing into Switzerland, he cannot fail to be spellbound by the sheer majesty of the snow-sprinkled mountains, lush pastures, awe-inspiring lakes and quaint towns. Brian’s tour takes him to so many of the places he yearned to see, as a boy. He strolls along the golden, sandy beaches in Spain, plays golf in the Algarve and takes in the incredible, panoramic views of the Italian Lakes. He takes brisk walks through the well-marked network of trails in Austria, breathing in the fresh Alpine air and relishing the beauty and splendour of its regions. In Slovenia, right in the very heart of Europe, he uncovers a country full of amazing contrasts; lively, historic cities, primeval forests and gently undulating, winegrowing hills.

Waking from a deep and happy sleep, our intrepid explorer contemplates his travels. So that’s Europe done and dusted, more or less. And as for all the other continents as yet uncharted, well, that’s maybe for another time. After all, there’s a limit to how many countries you can visit in one dream. But hold on to your dreams, Brian – they can come true…

Ireland residents are already booking their holiday spots for 2008. They are seeking out places such as Majorca and Menorca in the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and other places located across the Mediterranean, as well as South America. It seems that with unreliable weather conditions in Ireland during the summer months, residents would prefer to go out of the country for their holidays.

No More Weather Worries

When weather conditions made a turn for the worse in the summer of 2007, many Irish residents tried to book holidays to different locations overseas. Because many of the package deals were already booked, however, they were stuck at home. So that won’t happen again, they are booking their holidays early for peace of mind. Now they have better choices of accommodation, along with guaranteed flights.

Holiday Hot Spots for the Irish

Most Ireland residents are also very concerned when it comes to environmental issues. For this reason, they are choosing holiday destinations that are eco-friendly and also offer kids options for having fun. To this end, the hot spots that are being booked early this year include:

Madagascar – This destination proves a favorite among kids! The wildlife is unmatched in any other place in the world. Madagascar teems with unusual plant life that is a wonder to behold. You can go whitewater rafting down obscure rivers, stroll sandy white beaches, trek up mountains, and even spelunk through caves infested with crocodiles.

Guatemala – This country has more than 19 different ecosystems that are sometimes separated only by small rivers. Guatemala has its own unique varieties of flora and fauna, as well, which are a sight to see. Because of its diversity, Guatemala offers many opportunities for outdoor adventures, including:

* Fishing
* Caving
* Horseback Riding
* Hang Gliding
* Mountain Trekking
* Volcano Climbing
* Bird-watching
* Pilgrimages
* Bicycling
* Rafting
* Diving

Nicaragua – This destination has it all. It can please any traveler in one way or another. Activities include fishing, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and many other outdoor adventures. You may even catch a glimpse of some fresh-water sharks. Landmarks include Isla de Ometepe, an active volcano that last erupted in 1957, the main plaza, and caves filled with over 20,000 bats. Plenty of adventure can be found in Nicaragua.

Honduras – Places to visit in Honduras include Pulhapanzak Falls, which is 43 meters high. If you check out the ruins of Copan, you can learn about King Great Sun Lord Quetzal Macaw, who ruled Honduras from AD 426 to 435. Other popular places to visit in Honduras include Lago de Yojoa, the largest lake in Honduras, as well as Iglesia de los Delores, which is a huge white church featuring pieces of religious art on the inside of the building.

Colombia – Also on the list of hot places to travel this summer is Colombia, the only South American country with coasts on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. You will find marvelous beaches, grand colonial cities, and many archaeological treasures to keep you in awe.

The capital of Colombia is Bogota, a city rich with history and culture, including old cities and beautiful churches. Cartagena, a fortress to keep pirates away in the old days, is now a place to go for nightlife entertainment. Isla Gorgona was once a prison, and now tourists are welcomed to view the ruins. You will also see scores of monkeys, snakes, whales, and other wildlife while you are visiting the prison. This especially intrigues the kids!

If Ireland’s summer weather conditions prompt travel urges, the winter weather on the opposite side of the world might prove to be just the right ticket.

Chill or not chill?

Maira Kalman wonders about the patterns of food consumption in the United States. Stop what you’re doing and read this. (Please.)

Back to the Land [And the Pursuit of Happiness Blog]

On the road again... Katy is that you?!

Ever since the beginning of time, there’s been a rumor circulating that the open road can be a pretty lonely and boring place. I disagree. I’ll concede on Kansas, but from the days of walking to the Promised Land to a modern-day RV road-trip out west, there have always been plenty of micro-adventures to be had and cool things to witness (even Moses had that whole Red Sea thing). The road is generous in bestowing her adventures to those who genuinely seek. All you really need in your road-trip toolbox are good friends, top-notch playlists, car games and a few well-researched tourist traps and scenic overlooks.

Despite forgetting my iPod (Music Coordinator Fail), Heidi, Emily and I went mix-CD and radio style all the way to Memphis, Tennessee. None of us had ever made the drive to the western half of the Volunteer State, so between the laughs and jams, we kept our eyes peeled for the finer things Tennessee has to offer. In the 21 hours of our journey, she did not disappoint.

Move Over, Nissan!
Tennessee’s first gift was that of friendship. At the end of the day, everyone on the road is just someone trying to get somewhere, and since whizzing around at 70mph isn’t exactly conducive to teatime and small talk, you find other ways to bond with your fellow road warriors. The ultimate form of highway camaraderie came when we not only shared a 300-mile stretch with a blue Silverado, but also worked together to battle it out against a silver Nissan who we dubbed as “the worst driver ever.” As we exited onto Sam Cooper Blvd. to make our way into Memphis, we turned to our new friend and waved, receiving a smile, a nod of thanks and the “hang ten” hand sign in return as he carried on to Little Rock, AR. Best of luck, Silverado. The memories of leaving that Nissan in the dust are all we have.

Villes, Villes, Villes
One thing that never fails to entertain me on the road are names of towns. Our September journey to DC had a few weird names (seriously. Hurt? Tightsqueeze?!) and Tennessee was just as unique. It seems that every other town wasn’t actually a town at all, but a ‘ville. We passed through 22 in all: Gordonsville, Smithville, McMinnville, Lawnville, Maryville, Sevierville, Greeneville, Knoxville, Crossville, Cookeville, Nashville, Centreville, Johnsonville, Brownsville, Sommerville, Lobelville, Huntersville, Whiteville, Dancyville, Collierville, Rogersville, Blountville. And that’s just the ones we passed through and wrote down. This state needs to get a little more creative. Honorable mention for ‘villes outside of TN? We have those too. Tobaccoville, Kernersville, Hillsville, Wytheville, the list goes on…

What happened? A tire hit Mary in the FACE?
For 3 young females in a silver Mazda hatchback named Rafael (Raffi for short), the road can be a pretty dangerous place. While she is giving in nature, Lady Highway saves her best only for the deserving. We were no exception, and on our way to surprise Katy, we were tested with a few surprises of our own.  During the Twilight Zone Hour (crossing over to Central Time) we started to encounter some pretty significant obstacles. Between a brick in the middle of the road (or maybe drywall? We’re not sure), a 4×4, and a tire explosion that sent bits of rubber flying 30 feet in the air and a rim rolling across the interstate directly in front of us, it took three sets of eyes and some defensive driving skills on Kamischke’s part to avoid an incident. And avoid we did.

The Mightiest Oak/Every 7 year old’s Dream
Perhaps the greatest gift of the highway is the tourist trap. These, my friends, are incredible things. Over-the-top diners, giant balls o’ yarn, roadside stands, “amusement parks”, Las Vegas and Christmas towns – just a few of the many types of roadside gems. These establishments are of course designed to ensnare the weary traveler into spending $50 for a family photo with an overgrown hampster, but don’t be too quick to judge signs like “Pedro’s Weather Forecast: Chili today, hot tamale!” South of the Border just might be your own personal I-95 oasis. Okay, fine, it’s a totally deserted hole in the wall – but isn’t that what makes it great? I for one love to imagine the hayday of such attractions – picture: fireworks, smiling children, rides… Kind of like your average state fair, but with a sombrero full of tourist dollars. Don’t be confused by your previous experiences with foreign tourist traps – while I am fairly certain that the Tower of Pisa is Europe’s version of SOTB (trade Pedro for Paolo), highway bliss in the form of a wax dinosaur museum is uniquely American. If you get suckered into paying €22 to see a free-to-the-public cathedral with a non-English speaking guide, well, that’s your own fault. At least most European tourist hot-spots have some sort of historical or cultural significance -we here in the 50-nifty strive for utter pointlessness, and I think that’s fantastic. You know what they say, one man’s tacky is  another man’s treasure.

The Ultimate Tourist Trap

When in route to Memphis, there’s plenty happening off the highway. Since our destination city itself has hoards of tourist attractions (Graceland? Score.) we were on a mission to find the extraordinarily unusual. On recommendation from everyone’s favorite appendix-less Brit, we decided to stop at the one and only Minister’s Treehouse in Crossville, TN (near Knoxville). Part of what makes this attraction so great is that there are no highway signs leading to it, but that’s nothing a little Google-maps couldn’t solve. After heading about a mile off the highway and down a gravel road, we came upon the ultimate backyard playground. To our dismay, the attraction was closed for the day (it was a Sunday), so we couldn’t tour as usual. But the sight of the house itself was well worth it, and should I ever be making my way through the Tennessee ”villes again, I will be sure to stop and have a look around.

The Minister's Treehouse

Happy Trails, travelers! Here’s to hoping you find the intrigue of the interstate just as fabulous as we did!

El Prado is arguably Madrid’s top tourist attraction; and without a doubt one of Europe’s leading art museums.  Located in between the Retiro and the Paseo del Prado, it lies in what is generally held to be one of the richest areas of art display on the planet.  Indeed the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen art museums lie not fifteen minutes walk away and form, together with El Prado, the so-called Golden Triangle of Art.  Although the two former museums also hold more than impressive collections, El Prado is unrivalled in terms of world-wide reputation as well as the sheer size of its collection.  It contains an astonishing 7800 paintings, of which only about 900 are on display at any one time, which is anyway a lot more than can be seen in one visit.  And in the unlikely event of an indifference to all of 700 years of European painting, there are also a further 10 000 drawings, prints, statues, sculptures, coins and other decorative objects.  This almost ridiculous amount of art, spanning from Roman statues to early nineteenth century painting, resides in a 200-metre long red brick structure along the West side of Madrid’s main artery, the Paseo del Prado.  The architecture, if grand in an antique column kind of way, is unremarkable, and puts one more in mind of an American high school than a tribute to the vast collection of art it houses.  Madrid’s 17^th-century answer to the Tardis, it consistently seems larger when seen from the inside; and invariably transports the visitor (and his awed assistant) to distant times and places.

The building was commissioned by Charles III in 1785 in his ambitious project to, somewhat anachronistically, ‘re-urbanise’ the Paseo del Prado.  The project was interrupted at the death of the king and did not resume until the end of the Peninsular War, under Charles’s grandson, Ferdinand VII.  The museum opened in November 1819, and was renamed as Museo del Prado, after the meadow the museum had originally been built in, when it was acquired by the state in 1868.  Its royal collections soon grew and the museum was expanded in 1918.  El Prado has since experienced multiple expansions and renovations over the course of 190 years of history, and is now a veritable labyrinth of artistic excellence.

The collection sprawls over two floors, both divided into countless rooms and corridors.  The paintings are at regular intervals on a plain background, presented in a tasteful understatement of priceless works on display.  Information panels inform the visitor, in miniscule Spanish text, that the painting on show ‘depicts a woman and her baby’, with no indication as to whether this is a unique jewel or one of the museum’s lesser exhibits.  If anything, this only amplifies the dizzying effect of El Prado, especially for the relative philistine I am as far as Art History is concerned.  The museum almost seems designed to lose the visitor in its maze of masterpieces, each room more impressive than the last.

Much like El Retiro, the Prado museum has become one of my favourite places to go during my free mornings.  Not only does it provide me with my pretence of intellectual stimulation for the day, it is also another blissfully peaceful place to walk around in.  At least, until the coachload of six-year-olds on a school trip arrives, at which point I scurry off to seek refuge in one of the more hidden away Goya rooms.  El Prado is a great place to have some quiet time, and has endeared itself to me further by virtually falling over itself to get me in free of charge.  I have got in for various reasons: being an under-25 citizen of the EU, being present on the 190^th anniversary, coming on a Sunday afternoon, and, most commonly, for being under 18.  So, having given up on ever being able to discover all of El Prado’s secrets, I content myself with a relaxing wander ever now and again and wonder what might have been, if only I had read Gombrich’s Story of Art.

The City of Ottawa has a working plan to protect the health of the Ottawa River which means cleaner water, safer beaches and a better environment.

The 16 projects in the Ottawa River Action Plan not only address the problem of combined sewer overflows, but also the broader issues affecting the entire watershed.

Attend a public meeting to provide input about which solution YOU believe is the most sustainable — economically, environmentally and socially.

Or, read about the plan on their web site and provide your opinion on the Ottawa River Action Plan online survey

If you have questions, please e-mail riverplan@ottawa.ca

Source: City of Ottawa

„Никой не се завръща от едно пътешествие, такъв, какъвто е тръгнал.”

Греъм Грийн

„Но как може на унгарски Виктор да е Дьозьо?”

Триин, в часа по унгарски

„Който учи унгарски в живота, със сигурност може да повярва на всичко!”

Петър Дурст, За някои особености в унгарската граматика, които ни отварят очите за нещата от живота.

В ноемврийския ни брой ще прочетете повече:

Как да опитомим дивите животни.

За разходките в облаци

Вечер в една естонска кухня.

Как да носим ботуши и да се преструваме, че е студено.

Интервю с един фен

Хороскоп за на една фалшива самоличност

И специалният въпрос в този брой: Is it Christmas?

Ноемврийската разходка започва с пътуване в автобус – музей из лингвинистичните пространства.

Спътници са ни преподавателката ни по унгарски – Жужана, Йоана от Германия и Меди от Франция. Мъглата е толкова гъста, че едва виждаме пътя пред себе си, но успяваме да разберем, че на света съществуват повече от 3000 различни езика, макар че само 16 от тях се говорят от повече от 50 милиона човека.

Разходката продължава в облак.

Отправяме се в търсене на подходящ подарък за Марие, която скоро има рожден ден. Макар че прекарваме голяма част от деня си заедно, за нас тя все още е доста мистична личност: Лъчезарна, руса девойка от Естония, която слуша реге. Обича да се въплъщава в ролята на диджей, но не говори много за приключенията си в Ямайка, където е прекарала цял месец. Според нея, в Сегед има повече младежи!, които носят косите си на расти, отколкото е видяла на острова на Боб Марли.

Асоциациите към името на Марие ни отвеждат в подземни магазинчета, пълни със загадъчни предмети. Бързо се опияняваме от силните източни аромати, ярките цветове и усмивките на продавачите. Попадаме в капаните на ароматни свещи, парчета дърво и метални предмети. Не откриваме Марие никъде тук, затова изчезваме в мъглата отново. Загубили пътя от асоциации, се озоваваме пред чудновато място, в което се продава  носталгия: Метални кутии за сладки, стари снимки, пумпали, музикални кутии, ретро играчки, пин ъп момиченца с рокли на точки, винтидж* и мистерии. С Виша сме единодушни, че взимаме гигантския метален термометър с дебела негърка, която рекламира ликьор Ла Негрита.

Рожденият ден се случва в дома на Триин и Марие, които всъщност не живея толкова далече от нас. Озозоваме ме се в топлата кухня и предчувстваме удоволствиеото от добре подправеното  греяно вино. Компанията е необичайна: пет русокоси естонки, две полякини, един французин и две българки – на втория етаж на малка кооперация в Сегед, Унгария.

Харесва ми да слушам естонска музика, смесена  с доволно реге и необичайните за тези ширини Бийт дис. Освен това няма достатъчно място за всички и някои хора седят на възглавници на пода. От време на време с Виша се споглеждаме широко усмихнати. Чувстваме се добре с тези хора.

Гвоздеите в програмата на ноемврийското турне в Сегед са Ява и Колорстар.

Мишфолк вечерта започва в 5 часа следобед с традиционна гръцка музика. На мен сиртакито все още не ми се струва толкова екзотично, но тези музиканти са наистина впечатляващи. Сръбските музиканти също са симпатични, но ние сме нетърпеливи за истински фолк метъл.

Прибираме се изтощени от другия край на града. Минаваме по улицата, на която живее Матяш. Покрай дома в който се прибирахме рано сутрин, след фестивалните концерти на брега на реката. Правим планове за следващото лято. Със сигурност ще има SZÍN фестивал. 00:15 е. Минаваме през единствения работещ по това време магазин, за да си осигурим поредната нездравословна вечеря.  Има невероятна опашка от младежи, които си купуват бира точно в тази част на денонощието. Налага се да чакаме. И няма да повярвате с кого се срещаме. Разбира се, че с човека, които се занимава с озвучителната техника в Милениум. Държим се като стари познати, макар че не се познаваме. Това май е първият път, в който той не е на работното си място, и ние не сме на концерт.

Колорстар ще свирят в Яте. Не е любимият ни клуб, но нямаме избор.

Докато чакаме бандата да се приготви, с Виша пием джинджифилова лимонада и си измисляме нови същности, в които ще се въплъщаваме от сега нататък. До тук с истината.

Родена съм в Лима, Перу. Дядо ми плете перуански шапки в малка колиба под планинското било. Уча в Бразилия, но сега съм в Унгария, защото снимам късометражни филми за унгарските фестивали: преди всичко за фестивала на лука и фестивала на паприката.

Защо учим точно унгарски? Благодарим за въпроса. Ами всъщност обикаляме източна Европа и сме тук от няколко месеца. Нямаме разрешително за престой, затова се укриваме от властите. Нямаме работа. Пари? Ами.. не знам, някакво наследство, някакви работи на черно, предполагам. А унгарски уча в следобедите, докато седя на маса до прозореца в някое малко кафене и тайно правя снимки на останалите хора наоколо.

Слушаме Колорстар за втори път. Най-отпред сме, разбира се. Вечерта е толкова добра, че решаваме да проследим бандата и в следващия град. Да. На 5-ти декември, въоръжени с табела за Печ, на стоп.

Термометърът на един от централните площади показва 23 градуса. Чувствам се така, сякаш идва Великден, но навсякъде строят коледни базари. Украсяват ги с изкуствени елхови клонки. По няколко пъти на ден си задаваме въпроса: “Is it Christmas?” Ако и вие се губите в подобни чуденки, тогава препоръчваме този източник за повече информация: http://isitchristmas.com/

Такива съдбовни неща се обобщават и със съобщения от статуси  в джитолк:

В неделя правим околосветско пътешествие на зоопарка в Сегед. Обожавам начина, по който животните са разделени по континенти.  Рано сутринта тръгваме, в студ и мъгла от Азия, а следобед вече се разхождаме под горещото слънце на Южна Америка. Наистина има много, твърде много маймуни за град като Сегед.

И две снимки от онази сутрин, когато исках да напиша нещо тук, но не се получи:

Виша, с чаша кафе, малко преди да се наслади на експозицията на съседчето Пети, вж. по-долу!

Har tagit körkort och livet är så mycket lättare!
Teoriskrivningen var lite nervös och läskig men läskigast och nervösast var uppkörningen, men det blev bra trots
att jag svettades av nervositet och hade en tung och vass sten i magen =P
Teoriboken ligger inte längre mitt framför mig utan långt in under sängen =)
Imorgon kväll blir det konsert, mycket trevligt!

Var nöjd med livet som vi lever här